Join us, the University of Law, by signing up to the Justice Affected Students (JAS) Pledge which is designed to support students with experience of the criminal justice system and those affected by association, to access and succeed in higher education and beyond.
This pledge commitment plays a meaningful role in reducing stigma, recognising potential and creating equal opportunities.
Why should you sign up?
- To enhance support for justice affected students, enabling them to access higher education and thrive throughout their university journey
- To increase understanding and visibility of this student group across your institution, fostering a stronger sense of belonging and inclusion
- As many JAS students also belong to other widening participation groups, signing the pledge can contribute to achieving wider APP commitments and targets
What does the pledge consist of?
There are four pillars to consider when developing your commitment to the pledge. We encourage you to aim for a minimum of one criterion per pillar.
- Awareness Raising
- Provide training and resources to staff to raise awareness of Justice Affected Students experiences within your university community. This should cover barriers faced when considering higher education access, transition, success while studying, and progression into employment or further study.
- Encourage staff and student participation in a Justice Affected Students working group which coordinates initiatives to support and raise awareness of Justice Affected students, including representatives from the Students' Union.
- Proactively circulate relevant commemorative days and events that could be of interest to Justice Affected Students.
- Collect and share case studies from members of staff, students and alumni who are Justice Affected to promote and acknowledge their journeys and celebrate their achievements.
- Support
- Promote zero tolerance of discrimination, bullying and harassment. Ensure everyone challenges prejudice, derogatory language, and discrimination against Justice Affected Students.
- Identify and promote relevant financial support for Justice Affected Students, provided by your university and/or externally.
- Identify and promote relevant university student support for Justice Affected Students, such as the promotion of disability and inclusion, wellbeing, and employability services. Including promoting specialised external services.
- Provide a dedicated webpage on your university website, for current and prospective Justice Affected Students to outline important information and highlight the support available from your university. Providing employability information and information on careers paths and any potential barriers they will face in advance.
- Outreach
- Collaborate with UniConnect partnerships, third sector organisations and other universities to share best practice and collaborate on initiatives where possible.
- Identify pupils within schools, colleges or organisations who are Justice Affected to provide relevant Higher Education information, advice and guidance.
- Commit to Unlocks Fair Chance Pledge to support fair admissions and to improve access and participation.
- Curriculum
- Work to meaningfully include examples, cases and literature around Justice Affected Students into the curricula of programmes offered by your university (where applicable)
- Create a policy to enable delivery of degree programmes in secure environments (including open prisons and the transition to studying upon release.)
